Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Beacham.
Hi Erin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I look back on my various jobs, I usually say my path has been a little eclectic in getting to where I am today as a founder of an equity, diversity and inclusion consulting firm. I also know there have been so many people and mentors in my life that have guided me and supported this journey.
I consider my 12th-grade English teacher as one of the catalysts for this path. We read only marginalized and authors of color during that semester. It was the discussions and reflection from these books, that created a spark that started this path. My next stop was Guilford College where I have a dual major in Psychology and African American Studies. After college, I worked in various industries, including coaching college basketball and managing a local café. While managing the café I decided to go back to school and get my Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies. Although I always had ideas of what I wanted to do, it was during this time I had a clearer understanding of what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
I was hired at the civil rights organization Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and during my tenure there I was promoted 3 times. While there, I oversaw all of their education programs for the southeastern region of the U.S. and additionally some policy work. I consider each of these stops along my path as an opportunity to gain incredible knowledge and experience. Sometimes this included best practices of what to do and also what not to do. In each of these industries, one consistent thing that fills my bucket is relationship building. I love building relationships with people and getting to know individuals. I believe that relationship building and collaboration are key elements of being an ACTivator.
In October of 2021, I decided to leave my job to start my own Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) consulting firm. I wanted to operate independently under my unique value system and have more flexible time for my family while also being able to do the work I love. I started ACT (Activate/Challenge/Transform) Consulting LLC which is a firm dedicated to empowering everyone to exist authentically while giving participants the tools necessary to create long-term, sustainable and brave spaces.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I got my Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I thought when I graduated, I would have more doors open for jobs, but it didn’t happen immediately. I found organizations of interest in which to volunteer and asked to collaborate with like-minded people so I could continue learning and growing in the field.
Doing equity, diversity and inclusion work isn’t smooth nor easy in general. There is constant pushback and disinformation of what we do and what our goals are. When doing this work it is not only our profession but how we live our lives. There is no “clocking out” from EDI work. Resilience and self-care are necessary all along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
ACT Consulting LLC is your partner from concept to implementation in all equity, diversity and inclusion work. We offer programs and presentations, along with 3–12-month consulting and partnership engagements. ACT stands for Activate, Challenge and Transform.
ACT’s interactive programs provide examples of inclusive language, resources, tools, and ACTion steps in order to create brave spaces of belonging. All activities are based on the key principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and offer opportunities of self-reflection and empathy-driven advocacy.
If our partners are interested in a more long-term collaboration, we work together to create a path that supports achieving an organization’s long-term goals. Using a customized approach, we tailor our consulting work to create transformational change.
I am most proud of ACT’s core beliefs and principles which are not only the foundation of this work but part of our daily lives. We are unapologetic and authentic about who we are and what we believe. We are always ready to lean into the discomfort of this work because that is where I believe growth happens.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The equity, diversity and inclusion field is always changing and adapting. We can see growth from where the industry was a few years ago, including changes we have seen in language and policies, and an increase in organizations doing the work. I think we will continue to see the industry evolve and grow over the next 5-10 years. I hope that EDI becomes more and more of a priority for all industries and that people will do the work with authentic goals in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.actconsultinggroup.com/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-beacham-70774919/
Image Credits
Taylor Zorzi for headshots
